Friday, March 16, 2018

Are we excited about green beer and eggs yet? St. Patty's Day is upon us and the pups just had to at least have on their green Leprechaun Hat in celebration!

So happy the third week is upon us. Pups can 'shuffle about' now. They keep their heads and nose close to the floor along with their bodies because this is a brand new ability. By week four, they are wanting more room for exploring and are gaining some confidence. They are not neonates (newborns) any longer and can see and hear decently.

I shared pics of their new quarters yesterday and some are actually using the litter box! I expect 'hit or miss' at this time, but continue to place them in it after eating and when I wake them up by sitting in their area and patting them. They continue to be a content group. :+)

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Between 2 1/2 and 3 weeks of age, I like to make adjustments in the pups' environment. At 3 weeks, the pups' brains are working overtime. This is when introducing new things needs to be done slowly but constantly so that it triggers learning.

The potty box is introduced (even though it may not be used much) - it is a step in the right direction. The high walled Perla Bed crate they have been in since birth has been removed so they now have a bit more space around them for their eyes to adjust to. Toys are added to bump into, sleep with and begin to explore with their mouths. All these things entice them to learn and progress. The 'dangling' baby toys produce sounds when moved. They will startle at first but then 'learn' to produce those bells and rattles by mouthing and pawing at them.

All in all, the 3 week marker is a big one and once they start to walk, it won't be long till they are running full speed ahead! :+)

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Goodness, we have a pile of snow! We were so close to being 'snowless' just last week! Now look at us! Thankfully, pups are too small yet to play outdoors, but I hope it will be gone by the time they can!

I had to resort to just clearing a path because there is no where to put snow.

Monday, March 12, 2018

Today ended the Early Neurological Stimulation segment on our pups. I am always happy when it is the last day - not because it is complicated or time consuming, but because now the pups will start to become more animated and begin to really notice the world around them. There will be numerous changes to their environment as they grow. It is a fun time for me. :+)

While I was changing their bedding, Gunny was eating her very nutritious lunch of Life's Abundance kibble, our Simply Poultry Mix and a half can of Life's Abundance Pork and Venison - there was not a kernel left. :+)

Then she was ready......

First, Gunny looked to see if any of them were awake. Not yet...

So, she very quietly hopped over them to settle into position then yelled 'LUNCH'!

Sunday, March 11, 2018

On Saturday afternoon, I decided that Gunny and her litter should be in the Pup Room. The pups did super and comfortably settled in. Gunny was the most affected and kept checking to see if any of her babies were still in the office. Then she became 'Super Mom' and would not let any of the other doodles go near the pup room. This is totally normal for a mom feeling she needs to 'protect' her pups. We just made sure to be patient and very conscious of her feelings. I knew in about 24 hours all would be well.

This morning, Gunny wanted to come in to be with the other girls and she was in a totally different mindset. I will always keep the gate to the actual pen where the pups are closed because I take no chances. However, I can now keep the gate open to the pup room from the kitchen so all the doodles can go outdoors to potty and play. Glad that remedied quickly! :+)

They no longer need the 'guard rails' as they have grown so much. Gunny is very careful jumping in and settling to nurse. I clipped their nails for the first time. Collars have also been changed. It is truly amazing how quickly pups grow.

Friday, March 9, 2018

We have company coming for a couple of days so I was up early getting ready for picture day! I know it is a bit early to be celebrating St. Patrick's Day but the color green goes well with the pups. They are all doing extremely well and will soon be moved to the Puppy Room. More than likely, I will do this on Sunday after my company leaves.

Purple Girl 1 lb., 11 ounces

Orange Boy - 1 lb. 13 ounces.

Rainbow Girl 1 lb., 11 ounces.

Teal Boy 1 lb., 10 ounces.

Green Boy 1 lb., 8 ounces.

Blue Boy 1 lb. 12 ounces.

The gang! You can't see the one underneath the pup pile, but it is there!

All eyes are now open but sight is cloudy until another five days or so. Ears are opening up and soon they will begin to crawl more. Gunny is very attentive but you can see in the group pic that she still has a great affection for her small, squeaky Kong Balls. :+)

Monday, March 5, 2018

I received the best phone call this afternoon - a family that came to meet Clary to be guardians decided that they were ready and wanted to pick her up TODAY!

Clary will be living with another five year old Labradoodle and two cats! A son in college and a teenaged high school daughter will provide lots of attention and snuggles for Clary. Having another doodle to chase round and round their fenced yard is icing on the cake! We are all thrilled for how this all turned out. Boogie, woggie shuffle going on here! :+)

It was just about dusk when they came to take Clary home.

The best part is that they live literally ten minutes from my home. I want to pinch myself! Thanks so much Fall family for taking the time to really think this through for the benefit of Clary. Wahoo!!

My Guardian Homes have been wonderful about providing me with pics of my future hopefuls and I am so excited to be able to share them with all of you. Soon, a couple of them will begin my testing protocol and that will determine who begins a career with ADNE and who will be strictly a pet. It is always my hope that all I hold back will be able to produce future puppies, but I do live in the real world and accept disappointment as well. Above all, being a guardian for ADNE is that each pup is a pet first and foremost! Training, love, adventures and a solid temperament are critical for BOTH a healthy well rounded pet or breeder.

So, here are a few of my ADNE hopefuls that are over six months of age.

I would also like to comment that all my Guardian Home breeders will be required to be fed Life's Abundance unless they are sticking to the raw diet. It is the safest kibble available and produced by a holistic vet with 20 years in dog nutrition. No other kibble has that claim - oh...never a recall either!

Sunday, March 4, 2018

Today, I took her to the local Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk, Maine to attend Puppy Social Class. First, let me tell you it is a GORGEOUS room indoors - large, bright, great traction floor and wonderful trainers. Secondly, the toys, equipment and attention to the pups makes you feel your pup is very important and safe play for everyone is essential. I was beyond pleased.

Clary, on the other hand, was a PERFECT participant! She adored the cutest (and friendliest) long haired Chihuahua 'Bruno' who was barely 3 lbs. Then, she befriended a LARGE Goldendoodle puppy named Rigly who is very shy and would not interact at all with anyone. Finally, at the end, he decided that Clary would be a good friend and they chased and chased each other up and around the room in total abandon! It was so nice to see. Clary is such a social, confident and pleasant pup. She went to each person in the room to say 'Hello' with tail wagging and offered kisses.

The trainers were surprised to see such a stable puppy at her age and 'first time' attendant. You can be sure we both will be there next Sunday morning so Clary can spread her cheer and make new friends.

Clary has found her local guardian home! Happily, they will continue to take Clary to AWS for social time and will sign her up for obedience classes there. So happy!! :+)

Waiting at the door for her travel vest. She has no idea we are going for an 'adventure' to AWS.

Clary is such a good traveler in the car as well. Just settles right in. Such a sweet puppy! Next week, I will try to take pics when we are there. :+)

Friday, March 2, 2018

Unbelieveably, it has been one week since Gunny whelped her litter. Let me tell you, they are a bunch of roly polys too.

Gunny is an attentive mommy and keeps them clean, warm and nourished. I can't believe these minis are all over a pound in weight - a testament to Gunny's diet and health. :+)

I will continue to do Early Neurological Stimulation on the pups for another ten days. So far, none are really being very reactive which is nice. In some litters, a pup or two will really complain about being turned upside down or belly up, but not this group.

It is much too early for me to know which one of the lighter coated pups will be truly apricot with black pigment or caramels which have brown pigment and hazel eyes. Almost ALL chocolate colored pups will dilute to a lighter shade of brown. Some even become a taupe color. Look at my breeders who are now retired like Figgy, Rumple, Cadbury or Pearl - they were all chocolate as pups!!

Wyatt is going to be a daddy for the first time and will have 'to pay' alimony to Charlotte's 5+ puppies some time soon. Ha, ha! I know he will be a lover to a few others so will have a 'bad boy's' reputation. In reality, he is the sweetest male and a gentle soul.

Now that we know the deed was successful, we wait for pups to develop, then the whelp; and finally the fun starts with pics, visits and the excitement of watching them grow. :+)

Hmmmm expected whelp date is around April 1st - April Fool's Day pups????? I must think of fun names to call this group instead of color codes if they are actually born on April Fool. LOL!

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Just received a couple of pics of my potential breeding boy, THADDEUS DOOD! Thaddeus is my first phantom marked male in my program and I am very excited about introducing this pattern to some ADNE matings.

In six or so months, Thaddeus will be tested to see if he has the testing scores to become a stud for our program. I am sure hoping and praying!

This boy is from the mating of Gunny and Lil Abner that I just repeated which produced six lovely pups. No phantoms this time, so I guess I used up all my 'cards' on the first litter that provided me with two.

Thaddeus will be a large miniature Australian Labradoodle reaching roughly 28 lbs. or so. His coat is scrumptious and lightly marked with tan brush strokes on his chest, legs, tush and a bit on his face. His groomer did an outstanding job on him.

Just groomed - frontal pic.

Before grooming.

Pic of his full groom enjoying a chew stick. He is 7 1/2 months of age.